If you’ve ever wondered how to truly make an impact as a musician beyond the typical live gig circuit, the recent replay of Bree Noble’s informal chat with Tiamo is an eye-opener. This session, part of the PM Podcast Videos series, dives deep into the world of keynote concerts—a hidden market offering musicians not only the chance to perform, but to touch lives, build powerful connections, and create a sustainable career.
Below is a summary of the key points, stories, and practical advice shared by Bree and Tiamo in their lively discussion.
What’s a Keynote Concert, Anyway?
A keynote concert is the innovative blend of live musical performance and motivational speaking, designed for conferences, retreats, associations, and corporate events. Rather than being background music, musicians step into the spotlight as both performers and storytellers—sharing their music in tandem with personal stories that inspire, educate, or motivate the audience.
Tiamo describes it perfectly: “You’re combining live music with speaking, and you’re doing this as a speaker. You’re just calling yourself a speaker… but you’re still a musician.”
Why Keynote Concerts? The Life-Changing Difference
Both Tiamo and Bree shared how keynote concerts transformed their music careers:
– True Connection: Unlike bars or coffee shops, keynote concerts place the focus on you and your music, allowing for genuine interaction.
– Bigger Impact: You’re not just delivering songs; you’re delivering a resonant message. The audience comes to listen—and leaves inspired.
– Better Gigs, Better Pay: Rather than hustling for low-paid background gigs, keynote concerts can command fees between $5,000 and $10,000 (and up!), with travel and expenses often covered.
– Enduring Relationships: By collecting email addresses at your performances and nurturing these connections, you convert listeners into lifelong fans.
Who Can Do This?
The beauty of this model is its flexibility. You don’t need to be a singer-songwriter who plays guitar:
– Instrumentalists? Yes! Tiamo notes that instrumental performances can be just as moving—think of a solo violinist.
– Not a live performer? Some keynote concert presenters use video or tracks if singing isn’t their main thing.
– Bands and Duos? Bring a full group (just up your fee!) or simplify to single-instrument accompaniment.
– Genre doesn’t matter. Jazz, acoustic, pop—all can find a home in this market. Tiamo even suggests using the principles of your genre as life lessons.
But… Do I Have a Story Worth Sharing?
Bree and Tiamo emphasize that everyone has a story, whether or not you’ve survived dramatic adversity. In fact, it’s the small, personal moments—dreams, struggles, relationships, philosophical realizations—that make for the most universal and moving keynote stories. Vulnerability is your credibility: People fall in love with you when you share your authentic journey.
How Do You Book a Keynote Concert?
Tiamo shared his early adventures, showing up at conferences, meeting planners in the back of the room, and pitching himself as a keynote performer. Today, his advice is more streamlined:
– Local Workshops & Seminars: Start small for experience.
– Networking at Conferences: Meet event planners in person or look for opportunities online.
– Remote Outreach: Use email scripts and templates that focus on the audience’s needs—don’t overshare your bio, but create intrigue.
– Speaking Their Language: Present yourself as a speaker that uses music (not just a musician who talks). It changes how you’re perceived—and what you’re paid.
Pricing & the Big Secret
Most musicians undercharge, thinking “$1,000” is a big deal for a performance. But for organizations hosting major conferences, $5,000—or even $10,000—is negligible in their event budgets (which can easily be over $1M). The trick? Don’t lowball yourself. Tiamo notes that if you set a fee that’s too low, you may be perceived as lacking value.
Nurture Your Audience for Long-Term Success
Getting hundreds of emails at a conference isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Bree offered tips on setting up consistent email nurture sequences, turning one-time listeners into engaged supporters and buyers, and handling the business side of your new keynote concert career.
Can You Build On This? Absolutely.
Want to add vocal workshops, training programs, or ongoing group sessions for companies, faith groups, or associations? A keynote concert can be the front-door offer that opens up even more lucrative long-term engagements.
Final Thoughts
Keynote concerts represent an extraordinary opportunity for musicians to make a meaningful impact, earn a living, and enjoy a new level of creative fulfillment. The best time to start planning? Now. With conferences booking out six to twelve months ahead, prep today and be ready to shine on those bigger stages tomorrow.
If you’re a musician ready for a new journey, take Tiamo and Bree’s advice: Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” The world needs your story and your music—combine them, share them, and see where this path takes you.
Curious to see it in action?
Check out Tiamo’s keynote concert highlights at [tiamokeynoteconcerts.com](https://tiamokeynoteconcerts.com) for inspiration and ideas!
And if you want to dive deeper, consider enrolling in Tiamo’s Motivational Musician program, packed with modules, group coaching, and a supportive community to accelerate your new keynote concert path.